Field Evaluation of Alternative and Cost-Efficient Bridge Approach Slabs

Based on a recent study on cost efficient alternative bridge approach slab (BAS) designs has recommended three new BAS designs for possible implementation by Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) namely a) 20 feet cast-in-place slab with sleeper slab (CIP20SLP) - for new construction on major roads, b) 25 and 20 feet precast-prestressed slab with sleeper slab (PCPS20SLP)- for replacement and new construction applications on major and minor roads, and c) 25 feet modified BAS without a sleeper slab for new CIP construction on minor roads (CIP25NOSLP). The objective of the project here is to evaluate and compare the field performance of recommended BAS designs, their constructibility, and their impact on cost and schedule to the current MoDOT BAS design. Two PCPS20SLP, one CIP20SLP and two CIP25NOSLP implementations have been implemented and studied for this report. One PCPS20SLP panel was also tested in the laboratory for several washout conditions and for its ultimate capacity. Based on field observations, data recorded and analyzed, preconstruction and post construction cost analyses this study has found that all the suggested designs are performing well and are lower in cost compared to current designs used in practice.

• Record URL:
  http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R272-R273%20Final%20Report%20-%20DRAFT.pdf
• Record URL:
  http://transportation.mst.edu/media/research/transportation/documents/R272%20-%20R273.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Center for Transportation Infrastructure and Safety / NUTC program

  Missouri University of Science and Technology
  220 Engineering Research Lab
  Rolla, MO  United States  65409

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Thiagarajan, Ganesh
  • Myers, John
  • Halmen, Ceki
• Publication Date: 2013-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Bibliography; Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 150p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Bridge approaches; Bridge decks; Bridge design; Cast in place concrete; Field studies; Precast concrete; Prestressed concrete
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01530200
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: NUTC R272 / R273, Project # 00034506, Project #00034054
• Contract Numbers: DTRT06-G-0014
• Files: UTC, TRIS, RITA, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 10 2014 10:05AM